Feed aggregator
Life’s evil twins—mirror cells—could doom Earth if scientists don’t stop them
Researchers are close to making “reversed” cells that may wipe us off the planet
Your guide to 29 wildly different theories of consciousness
The many, many ways researchers hope to solve the toughest mystery in science
Math puzzle: A winning loser
Pick an unusual winning poker hand in this math puzzle
Science crossword: Consciousness carriers
Play this crossword inspired by the February 2026 issue of Scientific American
Jaclyn Kagey Shapes Humanity’s Return to the Moon
For Jaclyn Kagey, helping astronauts put boots on the Moon is part of her daily work.
As the Artemis III extravehicular activity lead in NASA’s Flight Operations Directorate, Kagey plays a central role in preparing astronauts for humanity’s return to the lunar surface.
She helps define how astronauts will work on the Moon, from planning detailed spacewalk timelines to guiding real-time operations. Crews will conduct these activities after stepping outside NASA’s human landing system, a commercial lander designed to safely transport astronauts from lunar orbit to the surface and back during Artemis missions.
Official portrait of Jaclyn Kagey. NASA/Robert Markowitz
As NASA prepares to return humans to the lunar surface for the first time in more than 50 years, Kagey’s work is helping shape how Artemis missions will unfold. Astronauts will explore the Moon’s south polar region, an area never visited by humans, and the Artemis III mission will serve as the proving ground for future lunar exploration.
Kagey’s career at NASA spans more than 25 years and includes work across some of the agency’s most complex human spaceflight programs. While studying at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, she watched space shuttle launches that solidified her goal of working in human spaceflight. That goal became reality through United Space Alliance, where she and her husband began their careers as contractors.
Jaclyn Kagey works in the Mission Control Center during a spacewalk simulation at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.NASA/Robert Markowitz
One of Kagey’s career-defining moments came during a high-pressure operation aboard the International Space Station.
“I’ve planned and executed seven spacewalks, but one that stands out was U.S. EVA 21,” she said. “We had a critical ammonia leak on the station, and from the time the issue was identified, we had just 36 hours to plan, prepare the spacesuits, and execute the repair.”
The team successfully completed the spacewalk and restored the system. “The agility, dedication, and teamwork shown during that operation were remarkable,” Kagey said. “It demonstrated what this team can accomplish under pressure.”
Jaclyn Kagey trains in NASA’s Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory, where astronauts and flight controllers rehearse spacewalk procedures in a simulated microgravity environment.NASA
Throughout her career, Kagey has learned that adaptability is essential in human spaceflight.
“You have to be flexible,” she said. “Things rarely go exactly as planned, and your job is to respond in a way that keeps the crew safe and the mission moving forward.”
She has also learned the importance of balance. “There are times when the mission requires everything you have,” she said. “And there are times when you have to step back. Learning when to do each is critical.”
Jaclyn Kagey suited up in Axiom Space’s Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU) spacesuit during a test on the Active Response Gravity Offload System (ARGOS) at Johnson’s Space Vehicle Mockup Facility. Axiom Space
Kagey’s influence also extends to the future of spacesuit development. Standing on the shorter end of the height spectrum, she once could not complete a full test in the legacy Extravehicular Mobility Unit despite passing the fit check. Although Kagey could don the suit, its proportions were too large for her and made it difficult to move as needed for the test. That experience drove her to advocate for designs that better support a wider range of body types.
That effort came full circle when she recently completed her first test in Axiom Space’s lunar spacesuit, called the Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU), on the Active Response Gravity Offload System at Johnson Space Center.
“It’s exciting to literally fit into the future of spacewalks!” Kagey said.
Jaclyn Kagey conducts lunar surface operations training in the Rock Yard at Johnson Space Center, where teams test tools and procedures for future Artemis missions. NASA
As momentum builds around Artemis, Kagey remains focused on the responsibility that comes with advancing human space exploration.
“My mission is to shape this historic endeavor by working closely with scientists and industry partners to define lunar surface activities,” Kagey said. “We are setting the standard for humanity’s return to the Moon.”
About the AuthorSumer Loggins Share Details Last Updated Jan 08, 2026 Related Terms Explore More 7 min read A Quarter Century in Orbit: Science Shaping Life on Earth and Beyond Article 1 week ago 4 min read Susan Schuh: Supporting the Humans in Human Spaceflight Article 1 week ago 1 min read NASA Starts Up Gateway’s Power System for First Time Article 2 weeks ago Keep Exploring Discover More Topics From NASAMissions
Humans in Space
Climate Change
Solar System
Sunscreens made from ground-up wood reach an SPF of over 180
Sunscreens made from ground-up wood reach an SPF of over 180
ESA monitoring January 2026 space weather event
The European Space Agency’s (ESA) Space Weather Office is closely monitoring a notable space weather event, first detected 18:09 UTC on Sunday, 18 January 2026. We are collecting detailed information from our expert service centres.
Further details and updates will be provided here as they become available.
This page was last updated on 20 January 2026, at 14:00 CET.
Astronomers Find that Black Holes "Seesaw" Between Ejecting Material as Winds or Jets
Astronomers at the University of Warwick have discovered that black holes don’t just consume matter—they manage it, choosing whether to blast it into space as high-speed jets or sweep it away in vast winds.
Toxic Hydrogen Cyanide And Its Role In The Origins Of Life
Hydrogen Cyanide, which is toxic, may have played an important role in the emergence of life. Its unique properties, especially in frigid environments in space, may have helped generate the complex molecules necessary for life to appear.
Could Bees Be a Model for SETI Searches?
Humans have always been fascinated with space. We frequently question whether we are alone in the universe. If not, what does intelligent life look like? And how would aliens communicate?
Deep Magma Oceans Could Help Make Super-Earths Habitable
Deep beneath the surface of distant exoplanets known as super-Earths, oceans of molten rock may be doing something extraordinary: powering magnetic fields strong enough to shield entire planets from dangerous cosmic radiation and other harmful high-energy particles.